Be Happy, Not Content

Why You Should Never, Ever Settle

I’m not sure if I’m simply being naïve in thinking this, but I see no reason why everyone — and I mean everyone — shouldn’t at least try to be actively happy. Find something you love and do it till you die. That’s what I say. And that’s what I see so many of my friends and family doing. It’s inspiring. It’s also what continuously fuels my attempts to succeed in a business where failure is the norm. And happiness is the most subjective of things. It’s the most personal journey there is.

What makes you happy?

I imagine for the person who always wanted to be a teacher, it’s when you’re standing in front of your first classroom. I imagine for the person who always wanted to practice medicine, it’s the first time you genuinely help better someone’s life. I imagine for the guy who always wanted to be a family man, that maybe it’s the first day that you’re alone with your kid, just you and him. For the aspiring prostitute, I’d assume it’s the first time a freshly jacked-off hobo tosses a crumpled up $10 bill at your face. OK, maybe not that last one. No, actually, why the hell not? I said it’s a personal journey, didn’t I? Go on, girl!

Do I think being happy is easy? Hell no. It’s hard, very hard. For many, it’s simply impossible. But why not try? Don't be afraid to fail. Be afraid to look back when you're old and gray and realize you never tried. That's scary; failing isn't.

I have far more respect for the guy who tries and fails than I do for the dude without enough balls to try at all. When someone asks how I’m doing, I never want to answer by saying that I’m content. I want to say that I’m great. At the same time, regardless of what’s written about me in the women’s room of the Centerport Applebee’s, I’m not a moron. I realize not everyone can be great. That’s preposterous to say, which is why I’m not saying it. All I’m saying is that no one should give up on their own personal pursuit of happiness before trying their absolute damndest to get there. Not the athlete. Not the designer. Not the musician. Not the teacher. Not the nurse. Not the writer. Not the whore. Not the butcher. Not the baker. Not the candlestick maker. Not even the Competitive Professional Wrestling Trivia Champion.